Many students want to earn a Ph.D. but are not sure how long it will take to get this prestigious post graduate degree. Although there are many factors involved in determining the length of time, according to the New York Times, the average time to acquire a Ph.D. among all subjects is eight years from the time a student earns their four year Bachelor’s degree.
Variance in length of time due to subject area
Different subject areas will take different amounts of time to earn a doctorate. Although the average is eight years, this includes two years to get a Master’s degree and six years to get a Ph.D. in a typical field. In fields such as physics and math, it can take an average of six years, but in subjects such as the Humanities, this number can be as high as eight and a half years. This is according to the United States Department of Education.
Variance in length of time due to commitment by a student
Assuming that a Master’s degree is earned at the same institution that a doctorate is earned, the time will vary due to how much work is done each year. It is common to take some time off, and this is a good idea. Too much time spent pursuing a Ph.D. can burn out a student. Many people find it necessary to take a few months off when pursuing a Master’s degree and earning a Ph.D. is no different. It does add to the time it takes to get a doctorate, but it also increases the chances of completing the program.
Variance in length of time due to student achievement
When pursuing a Ph.D., there is a variety of work that must be done. How quickly various work is completed is a function of the student and how well he or she understands the material as well as how quickly they work. To a large extent, a student is working at individual pace and this is different from the first four years of college when everyone has common deadlines. Depending upon the area of study, there is traditional type course work and various examinations. This is combined with areas of research and a dissertation. Producing a dissertation of a particular area of interest can vary greatly from one student to the next.
Is the extra time in school to get a Ph.D. worth the effort
This is a difficult question to answer. If you are only concerned about income, there are several areas where the extra time spent earning a Ph.D. will not pay off. Business is usually a good example. The difference in income from a four year degree to a Master’s degree is significant, but having a Ph.D. relative to a Master’s degree is insignificant. Engineering is another area where earning a Master’s degree is sufficient. However, in the area of the sciences, this is seldom true.
Conclusion
Although is it difficult to estimate how long it will take to earn your Ph.D., it is best to plan on a minimum of eight years from the time you earn your bachelor’s degree. Whether this extra time spent earning a doctorate is a decision only you can make. However, no one ever complains about having a doctorate.
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